Columbia Restaurant
The flagship Columbia Restaurant, founded in Ybor City in Tampa in 1905, has expanded to six other locations in Florida. One of its striking sisters opened in 1988 at The Pier in St. Petersburg, offering patrons a panoramic view of Tampa Bay. Like the original, this Columbia serves the "1905" Salad, tossed at your table, as well as favorites like the Paella "A la Valencia," featuring clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, calamari, chicken, pork, tomatoes, peppers, Valencia rice and a splash of white wine. Visit the gift shop before you leave for fine cigars, sangria mix, Cuban and American roast coffee and hand-painted ceramics. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. A children's menu is available and reservations are suggested.
Columbia Restaurant
800 2nd Ave. NE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
(727) 822-8000
columbiarestaurant.com/
Hops Restaurant & Brewery
This independently-owned Hops is a favorite spot of diners who missed the chain's complimentary honey-butter croissants and original beers and root beers after other locations closed. The award-winning brews--Clearwater Light, Hammerhead Red and Alligator Ale--are all here, as are entrees such as the Brewmaster Steak or Jamaican Chicken, marinated in pineapple, soy and ginger. Save room for desserts like the Key Lime Pie. Hops is open for lunch and dinner and also features a children's menu.
Hops Restaurant & Brewery
33086 U.S. Highway 19 North
Palm Harbor, Florida 34684-3122
(727) 789-5678
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
Open since 1991, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is the largest venue in a string of other local establishments known for fresh seafood: Frenchy's, Frenchy's South Beach Café and Frenchy's Saltwater Café. The Rockaway Grill features beachfront dining overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and treats patrons to a selection of tropical drinks, a full bar and live music. The Baked Stuffed Grouper, Super Grouper Sandwich and She-Crab Soup are house favorites.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
7 Rockaway St.
Clearwater, Florida 33767
(727) 446-4844
frenchysonline.com
The Original Mama Maria's Greek Cuisine
Tarpon Springs is known for its rich history of Greek sponge divers--and Mama Maria's, founded in 1978 by a diver's wife, proudly serves up authentic Greek cuisine. Appetizers include saganaki, Greek cheese fried and flamed in brandy; stuffed grape leaves and spanakopita, or Greek spinach pie. For entrees, sample favorites such as the keftedes, or fritters, made with ground beef or octopus, kabobs or tender souvlaki. Greek and domestic wines are served as are Greek sangria and Greek coffee. Lunch specials are served Monday through Saturday, as are dinner specials.
The Original Mama Maria's Greek Cuisine
503 U.S. Alternate 19 North
Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
(727) 934-5678
theoriginalmamamarias.com
Skipper's Smokehouse
Skipper's in Tampa is a local landmark with a unmatchable spirit. Established in 1980, Skipper's serves Florida and Louisiana cuisine with a Key West vibe, and has become known as one of the city's best live-music venues. Blues, alternative rock, country, zydeco, ska, gospel, Latin and bluegrass are just a sampling of the musical styles that have graced the outdoor stage. The menu includes black-bean gator chili, alligator ribs, fried gator tail, farm-raised catfish, conch, Louisiana crawfish, grouper, hot wings and key lime pie. Pick up a bottle of Capt. Tom's Scorch Bonnet Pepper Sauce or a T-shirt before you leave. Skippers serves lunch and dinner, and is closed Mondays.
Skipper's Smokehouse
910 Skipper Road
Tampa, Florida 33613
(813) 971-0666
skipperssmokehouse.com
